Summer Camps in the City

Even though it doesn't quite feel like spring in our pretty city, thoughts of summer days are not really that far away. Time to start thinking about cookouts, beach days and enrolling the kids in summer camps. Some camps are already open to enrollment. Here’s our picks for some of the top Providence-based summer camps.

The City of Providence Recreation Programs offer weekly sports, day and specialty education camps, including basketball, golf, music and dance, biking, sailing, creative arts and nature. These camps also partner with the Providence Community Library, and all campers will participate in literacy programming designed to enhance reading skills.

A Komodo dragon, giant anteater and baby Saki monkey are just some of the more than 160 species of animals that children will explore at the Roger Williams Park Zoo Camp. Activities include animal encounters, hands-on things to do, games and crafts. This perennial favorite is offered for children ages 4 through 13.

Campers will experience Narragansett Bay as their playground at Save the Bay's BayCamps, exploring the shores, salt marshes and marine life on the Providence waterfront. From exploring this unique ecosystem, to studying live marine animals, navigation, charts and marine sciences, this camp includes age-appropriate activities for kids in grades 1 through 12, which may even include snorkeling and swimming.

Kids interested in everything from cartooning and model building, to painting and the arts, will enjoy the Rhode Island School of Design Young Artists Summer Camp. Children ages 6 through 12 can participate in full-day camp exploring 2D, 3D, and digital art and design. Teens through age 17 can expand their creative minds and build technical skills, while using the acclaimed RISD campus and its resources.

More than just sports, Moses Brown Summer Camp offers children ages 3 through 17 a blend of music, arts, science, swimming and a variety of athletics, theatre and technology. In this dynamic setting, campers can explore and discover what interests them, including options for specialized programs focused on chess instruction, girls leadership, field hockey, lacrosse, engineering and more.

Providence CityArts! free, two-week summer camp engages students in a number of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) workshops that include 2D, 3D and digital arts. Mixed media exploration spans printmaking, ceramics, painting, drawing and fiber arts. Classes are open to all Providence youth between the age of 8 and 14, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Set on the Providence waterfront, kids from 8 through 17 can learn rowing techniques at the Community Boating Center (CBC). The Club’s structured curriculum allows for a progression of skills, be it beginners, racing or cruising-minded sailors. Membership is required in order to take classes, however, the CBC is committed to a flexible and affordable format for all learners.

Play at the J Summer Camp at the Dwares JCC offers children ages 3 through 15 a range of sports, swim lessons, science, cooking, art, drama and off-site field trips. Weekly camps include American Ninja Warrior, Olympics and Carnival themes, and are open and welcoming to all faiths and backgrounds.

Here’s to the warm summer days ahead and finding the perfect fit for your camper to play the day away in Providence!

Author: Rebecca Pazienza

Rebecca Pazienza is a writer and public relations professional. A graduate of Providence College, she has worked with various Rhode Island agencies. Her strengths lie in public affairs and community relations. She lives on the East Side of Providence with her husband Scott and their two zoo camp-loving sons Brandon and Noah. On weekends, she can be found exploring the city neighborhoods, visiting one of the boutique shops, walking to the local farmers market or dining at the newest restaurants in Providence. She loves cooking for her family, trying out new recipes and entertaining for friends.